FBI pivots resources to counterterror, cybersecurity efforts amid Iran retaliation threat: Source

A planned terror attack with links to ISIS was reportedly averted by the FBI in Michigan just before Halloween weekend, according to information obtained by Fox News.

On Friday, a senior federal law enforcement official informed Fox News that the thwarted plot was associated with international terrorism. Further details were not immediately disclosed.

The FBI announced on Friday that it had intervened to stop a potential terrorist attack in Michigan. Several individuals were taken into custody, accused of conspiring to execute an attack over the Halloween weekend.

“This morning, the FBI disrupted a potential terrorist attack and detained multiple individuals in Michigan who were allegedly planning a violent act over the Halloween weekend,” shared FBI Director Kash Patel on X.

Patel added, “Further information will be provided. Deep appreciation goes to the dedicated members of the FBI and law enforcement who tirelessly work to protect our homeland.”

Kash Patel speaks in Congressional hearing

FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the House Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill on May 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla)

In a statement to Fox News, Patel said the FBI’s quick response prevented a potentially tragic situation from unfolding.

“Through swift action and close coordination with our local partners, a potential act of terror was stopped before it could unfold,” Patel said. “The vigilance of this FBI prevented what could have been a tragic attack — and thanks to their dedication, Michigan will have a safe and happy Halloween.”

Dan Bongino

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also praised the reported operation, calling it an example of proactive law enforcement that saves lives. (Reuters)

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also praised the reported operation, calling it an example of proactive law enforcement that saves lives.

“This is what real law enforcement looks like — proactive, relentless, and focused on saving lives,” Bongino said in a statement to Fox.

“Our agents and partners in Michigan acted fast, followed the evidence, and stopped a threat before anyone got hurt. Under the leadership of Director Patel and the watch of this FBI, America is a safer place.”

Bongino also posted on X, writing: “Protecting the Homeland is our top priority. We will not rest.”

A house with police cars parked in front of it

FBI agents search a home in Dearborn, MI with alleged connections with a thwarted Halloween terror attack plot on October 31, 2025. (WJBK)

“As a retired FBI agent, I can tell you that cases like the one in Michigan highlight how these investigations are carefully built over time and why they are so important to public safety,” Jason Pack, a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, told Fox News Digital. “The FBI often becomes aware of potential threats through a tip from the public, a local police partner, or activity observed on online platforms where individuals share violent or extremist ideas.”

“When someone independently expresses a desire or plan to harm others, the bureau may use undercover agents or trusted sources to engage that person in a controlled setting… Agents are trained to avoid any actions that could be considered entrapment, and all undercover operations follow strict oversight and legal guidelines,” Pack added.

Pack said that, following this morning’s arrests, agents are likely executing search warrants to collect more evidence.

The Detroit Public Affairs Office confirmed to Fox News that members of the FBI field office in Michigan were in Dearborn and Inkster this morning, but there is no clear indication if this was connected to the thwarted attack.

News of the thwarted plot comes 10 months after Shamsud‑Din Jabbar plowed a pickup truck into New Year’s revelers on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. Fifteen people were killed and dozens were injured, making it one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in the U.S. since 9/11. 

Jabbar’s truck carried an ISIS flag and the FBI said he was inspired by the terror group.

You May Also Like

Lawsuits filed in California over Nazi-looted art displayed in museums in Los Angeles, Auschwitz

California Lawsuits Challenge Museums Over Nazi-Looted Art in Los Angeles and Auschwitz

Heirs of Jewish Holocaust victims and their representatives have filed two California…
DOJ charges 16 in illegal voting probe across multiple states

DOJ Charges 16 in Illegal Voting Investigation Spanning States

The Department of Justice has charged 16 people across several states in…
Captain America, R2-D2 fly above Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on opening night in dazzling drone light show: Photos

Captain America, R2-D2 Soar Over Lucas Museum in Drone Show

The opening-night gala for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lit up…
Corie Walsh too dangerous to release — but psychiatrist warns risk can change

Corie Walsh Too Dangerous to Release, but Risk May Change

An Illinois judge ruled that Corie Walsh was too dangerous to release…
San Francisco tech exec mocked for cringeworthy list of dating 'non-negotiables'

San Francisco Tech Exec’s Dating ‘Non-Negotiables’ Draw Mockery

A Silicon Valley executive is facing intense backlash after publishing a detailed…
Sacramento County slaughterhouse ‘kill floor’ moves forward despite neighbor backlash

Sacramento County Kill Floor Plan Advances Despite Backlash

A Sacramento County community is pushing back against a proposed slaughterhouse —…
ICE-led Florida operation nets 500 — including illegal aliens accused of murder, child abuse, cartel ties

Florida ICE Sweep Arrests 500, Including Murder Suspects

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement joined more than five federal, state and…
'Devoted' father and grandfather-to-be swimming at popular beach killed in suspected shark attack

Devoted Father and Expectant Grandfather Dies in Suspected Shark Attack at Popular Beach

A devoted father and soon-to-be grandfather is believed to have been killed…
Crocodile found illegally dumped on Long Island nature preserve walking trail

Illegally Dumped Crocodile Found on Long Island Nature Trail

A two-foot crocodile was discovered this week at a Long Island nature…
'Devoted' father and grandfather-to-be swimming at popular beach killed in suspected shark attack

Devoted Dad, Grandfather-to-Be Dies in Suspected Shark Attack

A 63-year-old “devoted” father and soon-to-be grandfather was reportedly killed by a…
DC man killed newborn, tried framing autistic son, 6, for murder: prosecutors

Prosecutors: DC Man Killed Newborn, Tried to Frame His 6-Year-Old Autistic Son

A Washington, D.C., man allegedly beat his girlfriend’s 2-month-old daughter to death…
Arizona 'goon' Talyn Vigil arrested for 3rd time while awaiting trial for allegedly killing teen in mob attack

Talyn Vigil Arrested 3rd Time While Awaiting Teen Death Trial

An Arizona “Gilbert Goons” gang member accused of killing a teenager in…